Bayron, younger brother of national player Jay Bayron, eagled the par-4, 13th hole to finish the day at even par 72, four shots ahead of Paul Echavez, Zanie Boy Gialon, Mark Fernando and Jessie Balasabas.

A perfect six-iron approach off 200 yards ended in the bottom of the cup as Bayron made up for a string of misfortunes at the greens.

"Mas maganda sana ang score ko kung na-birdie ko yung eighth hole at na par ko yung tatlong butas," said Bayron who struggled at the tabletop putting surface.

Bayron, who now plays for Calatagan, is the latest talent to come out of Mt. Apo, following the footsteps of Jonel Ababa and the Labajo brothers – Joseph and Mario, the top three finishers last year.

"Gusto kong sundan ang mga yapak ng kapatid kong si Jay. Gusto kong makatulong sa aking mga magulang," said Bayron who teamed with Zaldy Salvador in the U-Bix National Pro-Am last month.

Echavez, one of eight caddies from Davao, was nursing a two-under par card when his form dipped in the backnine. He bogeyed the 10th and 17th and dropped two shots on the 13th and 15th holes.

"Maganda sana yung umpisa ko at biglang sumama sa back nine," said the 17-year-old caddie from Toril, a town 50 kilometers from Davao City.

Four players were bunched at 78, namely: Ronel Cornejo, Luisito de Asis, Joel Torrecampo and Rodel Revilleza.

Tied at 79 were Gary Sales, Louis Manday, Angelo Anzures and Jeff Tumbaga while Ranil Glimada, Ernie Pagunsan and Albert Termil carded identical 80s.

Twenty-six of the 92 starters were eliminated after failing to break 90.

The 66 survivors will play another 18 holes at Calatagan before motoring to Canlubang for the third round.

The final 18 holes will be played at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong.